Event Planning Industry

The Hierarchy and Types of Companies that Help Create Events

As we've discussed in the previous pages, there is a definite hierarchy and structure to the world of event planning; and understanding this hierarchy is imperative to your success.

While every event is its own entity and can vary according to individual cases, usually an event or meeting is structured in this way:

• The Main Client or Organization
• Either the in-house event planner, or
• Event Planning Company
• Meeting Planner or Program Manager
• On-Site Event Management Staff
• The Venue or Hotel and its planning contact
• All other suppliers involved in the event:
• Destination Management Company
• Audio Visual Company
• Decor Company
• Transportation Company
• Catering Company

Of course, many events or meetings will have more suppliers based upon its needs; others won't have any of these. That is why most people get into the events industry; it literally is never the same job twice!

Also, just because one supplier is "above" another in the hierarchy, it doesn't diminish that supplier's importance to the success of the meeting. This is merely to demonstrate the chain of command in order to better understand the level of which someone might be involved in the meeting or event and the decision making process.

If you missed any information, please go back and read What Is Event Planning?, "Event Planning Careers (Who Plans Events?)" and "Event Planning Job Description."

If you're clear on everything so far, keep reading to learn about the many event-related jobs where you might find your niche in this industry! Let's start with On-Site Event Managers.